West Loop in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex
| | Chicago Landmark | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026
1. West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex Marker
Shattuck & Hussey, architects (1916)
Perkins, Chatten & Hammond, architects (1928)
Robert DeGolyer, architect (1931)
Constructed in phases between 1907 and 1931and stretching over two city blocks, this group of Classical Revival and Georgian Revival buildings exemplifies the growth and development of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) on the West Side during the early decades of the twentieth century. Here the YMCA and YWCA offered affordable dormitory lodging and a roster of programs and services that helped young men and women, many of whom were recent immigrants, to assimilate, learn English, and find jobs. In 2020 the complex was restored and redeveloped as a 260-unit apartment complex.
Designated on November 14, 2018
Rahm Emanuel, Mayor
Erected 2025 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Immigration • Women. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 41° 52.81′ N, 87°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jackson Boulevard (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wieboldt's Department Store (about 600 feet away); Jackson Boulevard District (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Boulevard (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Connolly (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Jackson Boulevard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carter H. Harrison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Union Park (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. Although the building was designated a landmark in 2018, this sign was not added until sometime in 2025.
Also see . . . Landmark Designation Report: West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex. From the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. (Submitted on February 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026
2. West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026
3. West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex
Chicago's skyline is in the rear of this east-facing photo.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Courtesy of Chicago History Museum (ICHi-176743), circa 1920
4. West Side YMCA
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
